Kamara, who is from Sierra Leone, has international clearance but requires a British work permit.

"There is no doubt it is a big jump to make into the Premier League, but it is an exciting challenge both for him and us here at the club to prove his talent," Norwich manager Chris Hughton said.

Sporting Kansas City officials said Kamara's contract has been extended and Norwich has an option to keep Kamara on a full transfer.

"One of the frustrating things for fans, but a fact of life, is that our players will have aspirations to play in the top leagues throughout the world — most especially the EPL," Sporting Kansas City CEO Robb Heineman wrote in a letter to fans. "If we are to continue on the track of being a well-respected organization for player development, then it will be inevitable that teams will come after our players and that our players will have desires to go test their talents in these top leagues.

"As an organization, we are never going to begrudge them for it — and we certainly don't in this case with Kei. ... It's situations like this that test our organization's ability to maximize the opportunity to meet both of those goals, while working with our players' aspirations and professional development."